Plymouth to Torcross

From port to port

Plymouth to Torcross 64.9 miles/ 5 days Challenging

This walk takes in two of Devon’s most important maritime locations at Plymouth, the biggest city in the South West and Dartmouth. The nature and geology along this stretch of Coast Path provides some of the most spectacular scenery of the entire trail and includes three river estuaries. It takes you through the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Trust land, which offer plenty of wildlife watching opportunities.

Highlights

Beginning with a waterfront walk through Plymouth, there are many features that provide an insight into the city’s illustrious history. You then leave the urban landscape behind to explore a coastline that’s rich with plant and animal life around Wembury Point.

As you make your way towards Salcombe, the route takes you past three river estuaries, including the Yealm, Erme and Avon, so timing is essential for either the seasonal ferry crossings or to make your way across at low tide.

There are spectacular views as the path passes through fields above beautiful sandy beaches, including Hope Cove where there are plenty of refreshments available in the village, and the relatively tiny and secluded Soar Mill Cove, which is great for rock pooling.

It becomes quite strenuous towards Start Point, before levelling out past the famous lost village of Hallsands before reaching Torcross. The memorial tank in the car park commemorates the American soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Tiger in WWII.

(alternative end line) It continues to the historic maritime port of Dartmouth.

Relevant section guides

We have split the path into 52 sections, and for each one have produced a section guide. These pages do not aim to replace the guidebooks, but aim to give a flavour of what each section is like, and show you about the highlights and places of interest along the route, along with links to accommodation information and much more. The relevant section guides for this walk are exactly the same as the 2 days of this walk.

Travel

Plymouth is easily reached by mainline train or bus and there are bus links to Wembury and Noss Mayo. A water taxi runs all year from near the Mayflower Steps in SuttonHarbour to Mountbatten, cutting out a 5-mile walk around Cattewater. The number 93 bus runs hourly between Plymouth and Kingsbridge and from Kingsbridge to Torcross and Dartmouth. The ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth runs daily throughout the year. For all other crossings, check tides and times of ferries, some of which are seasonal, before setting out on this walk. For further details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.